It's a thankless job, being a referee in professional soccer.
But, love 'em or hate 'em, the professional game needs referees, and Major League Soccer takes the time to recognize the work done by everyone's favourite card-toting, whistle-blowing officiators who help make the game fair, safe, and, sometimes, just a little bit wild.
Alan Kelly was named MLS Referee of the Year on Monday, as voted by media, MLS players, and club management. Kelly, who beat out Baldomero Toldeo and Jair Marrufo for the prize, won the vote by a healthy margin.
Kelly oversaw 21 games this season, doling out 76 yellow cards and four red cards and awarding 551 fouls in 2015.
Assistant referee Corey Parker took home the Assistant Referee of the Year award, too, beating out Peter Manikowski and George Gansner for the prize.
Major League Soccer employs referees from PRO, the Professional Referee Organization. Kelly and Parker win their respective prizes for the first time in their careers.
